Graduates from low participation backgrounds still fare worse on average than their higher participation counterparts - meaning diversity continues to be a major issue of concern for universities and recruiters
That was the key theme of the Luminate launch event at Techspace in Shoreditch, London, which brought together experts from the world of graduate careers to debate some of the sector’s most hotly debated issues.
Kicking off the event, Prospects' Higher Education Services manager, Chris Rea, gave a presentation on graduate outcomes, migration patterns, diversity and recruitment difficulties. He revealed that:
- Graduates are not very mobile - in 2016, 69% worked in the region in which they were originally domiciled.
- The average female BAME graduate from a low participation background is not as mobile as the average white male from a high participation background.
- Graduates from low participation areas are not well represented in some of the top professional-level jobs.
When we look at diversity, before we open our mouths, think whether we are asking the right questions
Variety of graduate experience
During a panel discussion on diversity, graduate migration and recruitment, independent development consultant Femi Bola MBE pointed out that we often forget the different experiences that people have. 'There are still graduates that haven't been on planes, let alone having considered working abroad,' she said.
And in a keynote speech reminiscing about her previous job as a scientific researcher, she outlined some of the challenges around diversity that she had faced herself. Alongside difficulties with her name and requests to shorten it, assumptions were made about her role.
For example, when using the lift she was frequently asked whether she was heading to the floors where the cleaners and catering staff worked. In reality, she was a scientist. 'When we look at diversity, before we open our mouths, think whether we are asking the right questions,' she told the audience of recruiters and university careers advisers.
Diversity enriches performance
Femi was joined on the panel by Stephen Isherwood, chief executive of the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) and Chloe de Boer, projects and delivery manager at London South Bank University (LSBU), who emphasised that 'diversity enriches both experience and performance'.
Craig Smith, from Babcock International Group, gave an example to demonstrate how unaware employers can sometimes be about the issue of diversity: a law firm where 50% of employees are female may appear to have a fair recruitment policy, but when you take into account the fact that nearly two thirds of law graduates are female, it's actually an under-representation.
Graduates favour small companies
Discussing graduate behaviour and motivations, Femi noted that 'graduates want to work for a smaller company where they feel they will get more recognition'. They particularly value the opportunity to take on further responsibility and develop within their role, she explained.
Future events
Luminate events provide an opportunity for employers, recruiters, careers and education professionals to come together to share the latest trends, data and opinion on early years talent. They also provide a valuable opportunity to network with likeminded people.
Follow us on Twitter @LuminateLMI to be among the first to hear about our next event
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